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He said: "I’ve tried to get in there and one of the things I’d have brought to the table is the fact that I’ve played in that league and won the competition under Roy Keane as a player.

"The new owner, Tony Xia, seems lively but you need someone with passion who knows the club who people can relate to, someone who can get the players running and playing as they should do.

Aston Villa's Dwight Yorke in action against Arsenal during the League Cup semi-final in 1996

“I’m just miffed because everyone still thinks you need managerial experience. But we’re in the 21st century and players are getting out far more educated and far more wise but no-one wants to give you an opportunity.

“From Steve Bruce’s perspective obviously he has that experience but if things go belly-up his years with Birmingham City will be challenged.